Simon Bray

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

The need to consolidate our savings and to create a portfolio which met our specific needs.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon has helped us to identify our attitude towards risk and to ensure that our investments reflect this and he has also advised us us on our options as our requirements change.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The market has been in flux for numerous reasons so the returns have possibly been less than we had hoped, however, under the circumstances, I feel that the right decisions have been made in a timely way to safe guard our investments.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Simon Bray helped you since your last review?

He has been instrumental in planning our financial future in all respects.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We had had funds that had been badly managed by another adviser and needed advice on how these should be invested.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

He has guided us through our changing situations always finding the most advantageous path - we have no knowledge of investment and he has shouldered this burden for us completely.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we always feel confident that Simon looks after our best interests.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Simon Bray helped you since your last review?

Simon has continued to meet with us regularly and discuss our portfolio in the light of global change and shifting trends. He invariably presents us with a range of scenarios for future planning whilst always taking into consideration benefits versus risks and whether anything would be advantageous to us. He is very knowledgeable and cautious so we feel in very safe hands. Any decisions are always made with the latest facts to hand so that we can make an informed choice where necessary.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Around 8 years ago, my mother-in-law was entering a care home and we needed advice managing her finances; after she died 2 years later, we needed help managing my own mother's estate and returned to Simon because he had been so helpful and impressive previously.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

My mother is still alive (in care) and my wife and I are both approaching retirement; we have been with Simon all this time as he manages my mother's investments, inheritance planning and our retirement income also.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. We are eternally grateful to Simon. Not only has he ensured my mother's savings work in the best way possible, he has been incredibly clear in explanation. All options are laid out and he is careful to ensure that we make our own investment decisions at a level we are comfortable with. It is important to also say that we always look forward to our meetings with Simon as he is so friendly and personable and we feel really well educated in financial matters we had no idea about before! More than that, if we have any questions, no matter how large or small, we receive answers really quickly.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all. I don't think it's possible to be more impressed or grateful and it's been a great reassurance to know our savings and investments etc. are in such safe and effective hands.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To help with various aspects of financial planning.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon has advised me for several years. He has guided me through various financial decisions, helping me to make informed choices for future financial security.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am very happy with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Advice regarding my pension and investment many years ago.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Transfer two small penions into a personal pension plan. Also with stocks and shares ISA's and term deposits

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

With volitile markets the investments are holding their own

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Simon Bray helped you since your last review?

In many ways: advice during will-writing process; advice relating to potential inheritance; advice about potential early retirement ....as well as the usual financial advice and investment management.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Previous bad advice

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon has been kind and helpful and given us personal service.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Needing to amalgamate 6 pensions and plan for retirement

How has Simon Bray helped you?

By helping to plan a future to retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

n/a

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Simon Bray helped you since your last review?

Simon is in the process of transferring two smaller pensions into a personal pension plan. Also we have spoken about term deposits and ISA transfers to benefit from better interest rates, to help with future retirement.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Simon Bray helped you since your last review?

His office quickly arranged for the transfer of cash to my bank when it was needed. Much appreciated.

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Simon Bray helped you since your last review?

Simon has continued to provide an excellent service to us on all our investment activities. He fully understands our financial goals and has been invaluable in advising us on the best application of our money. This has been especially helpful during the recent period of financial upheaval.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Needed assistance in determining potential routes and timescales to retirement. Also required regular feedback and clarity of portfolio performance

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon has provided very clear and uncomplicated advice on my retirement plans and has provided regular reporting and updates on my performance. He is very responsive in terms of providing relevant information and also replying to ad hoc queries

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The current outlook looks positive in terms of achieving the goals we aimed to cover by the timescales I set. The advice is very transparent and the reporting allows a non financial individual to clearly see performance and future projections.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I've had one for over 40 years. A friend initially suggested the idea to me.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

In many ways, but in overall portfolio development and planning .... and encouraging me/us to spend some of our accrued capital

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I'm aware of

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Financial planning pre retirement and extra investments

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Professional advice at all times

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

You and exceeded expectations

What could they have done better?

Nothing

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Whilst planning for retirement

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon gave very professional advice and guidance both before retirement and post retirement. Also guidance with any extra investments made

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more

What could they have done better?

Nothing

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We wanted to understand how we best invest our savings and consolidate our pensions

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon has taken away all of the stress for us taking care of our investments and pensions and we have full confidence that he is doing the right thing for us

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100% Simon has explained the fluctuations in the market and we full expect to see the returns we require when we need our investments

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Need to ensure financial planning was properly informed and support with investments and savings.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

He is a very approachable and supportive advisor who puts effort in to understand our position and perspective and tailor his advice accordingly. His advice and support to our financial management and help with planning and managing our investments have been really valuable and much appreciated.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Within the constraints of the global financial situation over the last few years, Simon has helped us realise our hopes for our investments.

What could they have done better?

I am very happy with all that Simon has done for us.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I initially approached Simon to ask for advice about my mother who needed care planning. Then my husband asked Simon to look at his mother’s complex estate which needed a lot of rationalising. He sorted everything out with exceptional professionalism.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

He has worked tirelessly to make sense of a chaotic financial situation and suggested sensible courses of action/planning. He has given over and above of his time and we have built up a strong and ongoing relationship of trust and understanding. It is an absolute pleasure to work with Simon.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, it’s an evolving journey. But the important financial issues have been resolved and secured. We have been incredibly impressed by Simon’s knowledge and experience and hope to forge ahead with further planning into the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. We feel very fortunate to have him as our financial advisor.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We had funds that needed investing and weren’t happy with how they were previously invested

How has Simon Bray helped you?

On every aspect of our financial interests - Simon has close knowledge of all aspects of our financial lives, ranging from an elderly mother with care needs to a student son who needed a mortgage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes indeed - Simon is always proactive in suggesting more appropriate changes where necessary and we have full confidence in following his advice. Positive outcomes on all he does for us.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Managing the estates of both our elderly mothers when they lost capacity. My own mother's finances were labyrinthine in complexity and resolved by Simon with patient persistence.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

We have been with Simon for over six years now and it is worth saying how much we always look forward to our meetings! Simon is so personable and empathetic that these are always pleasant occasions and his gift for explaining the technicalities of investments so clearly has also educated us along the way. Simon always has our interests at heart and takes care to be clear himself about our wishes and comfort zones in investments. With his excellent team, communication is consistently first class and any questions we may have are responded to promptly and with reassurance. Our savings have prospered greatly with Simon's thorough knowledge and well-informed advice and we are gratefully secure in knowing our family's future is in safe hands.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, above and beyond really.

What could they have done better?

Really, nothing at all. We could not be more grateful and feel we have always received perfect service.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I wanted to consolidate my pensions and plan for retirement

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon walked me through the options and process involved. At all times he kept me informed and updated.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

The death of my husband in 2017 and the need for someone to help and advise me on future planning of my finances.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

He consolidated the various investments that were already in place, bearing in mind my cautious approach to the market, and has always been available to explain clearly the steps he has recommended to provide an income for my future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far I have been more than happy with the outcome of his management of my affairs. Simon came highly recommended by my daughter and her husband who were already clients.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything that I would consider an improvement on the service I have received from Simon.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I wanted advice on an investment I hold and to review my pensions to ensure I will have the funds, to give me a comfortable retirement.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon has a calm professional approach, explained my options in a way in which the information is easy to understand. Simon offers a service, with a confident calm tone of voice, he sets out a financial plan which is regularly reviewed. I am happy with everything Simon has helped me with.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, even with the unsetteling of the financial markets, Simon has offered sound advice

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Needed advice on investment and savings

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Personal attention and advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, with the climate of the financial world, so good.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Having sold my house in 2009, I met with other Financial advisors, none of whom inspired me with any confidence until thankfully, Simon Bray was recommended.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

He offered the reassurance I needed by suggesting low risk investments which have worked out perfectly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We needed to consolidate our savings and plan for our retirement.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon has helped us to choose the best investments for our needs and also taken into account our different attitudes towards risk.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has been a turbulent market over the past 3 years but we are happy with our long term investments.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To properly manage my pension fund

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon has advised on the type of investment that is appropriate to my circumstances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The investments selected are appropriate for me.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I am aware of

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

After Covid time to semi retire seemed right

How has Simon Bray helped you?

By organising all my private pensions and incomes into a retirement plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet but due soon

What could they have done better?

Nothing as yet

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Assistance with financial planning for myself and other family members.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

He has advised on the management of existing and new investments, to give me the best outcome for my retirement, and to minimise Inheritance Tax going forward. He has also encouraged me to complete a Will and both LPA's. He has helped me have a better understanding of my finances and the options open to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am very happy with all the advice and assistance I have received from Simon.

What could they have done better?

Nothing!

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Planning for retirement, professional investment advice and peace of mind.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon evaluated our circumstances, helped my wife decide when she could retire, advised what we should do with our main pension funds and the best way to manage our retirement income. Simon also gives advice and manages our investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

On the whole our outcomes have been very positive; we have achieved our aims of my wife being able to retire and we have maintained the lifestyle that we aspired to. Due to COVID and the current economic situation we have made adjustments to our income as advised by Simon.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My previous financial adviser retired and recommended Simon. I found him very knowledgeable in his advice which was given in a way I fully understood.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

I value his knowledge and experience particularly as I have now retired. He has guided my investments and increased the value of my pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

He has maximised my investment within the risk I was prepared to accept.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - I look forward to my professional updates and prefer race to face meetings. However even during COVID he instigated online meetings.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Simon was selected to replace a well-trusted, long-term advisor who was retiring. Simon came highly recommended by our previous advisor and has proved to be a very helpful and knowledgeable professional. He has become almost a member of the family.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon has helped us through a very difficult period of moving from one financial services provider to another well-researched group of service suppliers, which will help to keep our on-going costs to a much lower level, hence improving our future investment prospects through our retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Our costs have reduced significantly for the investments we have moved to-date and we look forward to further savings as we complete the transition

What could they have done better?

Nothing

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I had been with my last company since the 1970s. However, because the original company had been taken over several times, my advisors kept changing, The result was I became very dissatisfied with the service I was receiving. When talking to a business associate, my concerns came up in conversation and he recommended Simon Bray Wealth Management Ltd.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

I contacted Simon Bray and we had a very constructive first meeting back in 2016. At this point feeling confident that the change would be the best way forward for me, I requested Simon look into my total personal and financial situation. At the time I was still working as a company director for my own business. However, retirement was approaching and very much on my mind. Simon returned with a very comprehensive report and his recommendations. So moving forward, we implemented the various changes, some of which were very tax efficient. This was an area where I knew my old company was letting me down.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I have been very pleased with the outcome. Of course, some things come at a cost. However, over the years the results have justified the charges. The service I received from my previous company did not justify the charges made. I feel confident that my future finances during my retirement will be in good hands with Simon Bray Wealth Management and his excellent team.

What could they have done better?

For my requirements I do not feel Simon could have done anything better.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

In 2008 my mother left an inheritance to my two sons to be used to help them- particularly towards their future housing.

How has Simon Bray helped you?

Simon gave me advice on how best to maximise the return from the inheritance money. He has subsequently helped my in other areas, particularly planning for my retirement. He has also helped the family , directly who now also use his services individually.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. Simon's advice has been invaluable in every respect.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.